Putting Ability to Work: Building an Exceptional Workforce

Presented by: Nate Mahanes

SESSION LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of my presentation, attendees will be able to answer and understand the following:

The value that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce.

Where to find guidance, assistance, and technical resources related to the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities as part of your workforce.

This presentation will provide information related to disability awareness and the benefits businesses receive when they employ individuals with disabilities. This presentation will also provide an overview of the no-cost business services and tax incentives available to all employers.

Topics to be covered include:

Overview of the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Rehabilitation Engineering (Services for DARS Clients and the Business Community)

Assistive Technology

Focusing on Abilities not Disability

Providing Reasonable Accommodations

Disability Facts vs. Myths

PRESENTER’S BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Nate Mahanes is the Business Development Manager for the Blue Ridge district of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services providing services to the Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Fishersville, and Culpeper field offices. Nate’s primary function is to serve as liaison between the agency and the business community in order to promote awareness, increase education, and develop public/private partnerships related to disability employment. Nate provides services to the business community by assisting with recruitment and retention strategies, labor market information, disability awareness training, job accommodation solutions, financial and tax incentives, and serving as a connector to other economic and workforce development partners statewide. Nate serves on three regional Business Services Teams, participates with the VA Employment Commission – Employer Advisory Committee, is active with several Chambers of Commerce, and coordinates activities for the Region 2000 Area Network for Employment (RANE).

In 2014, Nate received a Virginia Community College System Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Workforce Development and in 2015 he was recognized as one of Lynchburg Business Magazine's "Top 20 Under 40". Nate is a member of Lynchburg Regional SHRM Inc. and has served as Director of Membership for the past three years. Lynchburg Regional SHRM was recognized at the 2018 VA SHRM Leadership Conference for having the greatest percent increase in new members of the 19 total statewide chapters.